Arsenal vs West Brom Match Preview/Players To Watch: Santi Cazorla And Shane Long

ArseSaturday the 8th holds a showdown in the Premier League, with Arsenal facing West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates, and following their recent performances, both teams will be looking to clench the vital three points.

The Gunners currently sit 5 points behind WBA, so Arsenal will certainly be viewing this as an opportunity to climb the table and catch up with the likes of Albion, Tottenham and Chelsea.

On the back of the quite simply poor result against Olympiakos mid-week, Arsenal’s morale will not be at its highest, however, Albion have also lost two of their last EPL games. The key players Wenger rested will be returning this Saturday, meaning the likes of Squillaci will be on the bench in this up-coming battle.

Giroud is an almost definite starter for this game, and will be most searching for more goals to add to his tally. The Frenchman has proved to be very effective in the air, and so link-up play with a team mate capable of putting in killer crosses could come to be the winning strategy.

Arsenal have won just one of their last 6 games, and so the pressure will definitely be on.

Players to watch:

Arsenal’s Cazorla:

The Spaniard (acquired from Malaga in the summer transfer window) has simply burst on to the Gunners scene, and is fast becoming known as one of the best playmakers. Cazorla has the ability to make something out of nothing. The WBA midfield should be quick to close down on Arsenal’s new star, and will try not to allow him too much space, however we have seen him deal with such pressure before, and against better teams.

WBA’s Shane Long:

Almost certainly the best player for Albion this season, and he will be looking to extend his great run against the Gunners. Holding the impressive tally of 7 goals in 16 appearances, he will be a threat in front of goal. Long has shown great chemistry with Odemwingie, and this has certainly helped hold West Brom in their current and impressive league position at 5th place. Vermaelen and Gibbs will have their work cut out for them with the Irishman.